Early Childhood Policy

3 credits · Undergraduate

This seminar examines how the diverse policy contexts in which children are born and raised have dramatic implications for their life trajectories. We will explore how, when and why government intervenes in children’s lives, through family, pre-/school, community, and digital media contexts, aiming to improve their developmental trajectories. From this basis, we investigate the effects of policies on children locally, nationally, and internationally. Drawing from a variety of case studies and empirical research, students will gain a deep understanding of policy goals, development, implementation, and implications. After gaining familiarity with early childhood policies, students will develop their own early childhood policy.